-H.M.S. Hood Crew Information-
H.M.S. Hood Rolls of Honour
Memorials to Men Lost in the Sinking of Hood, 24th May 1941
Updated 02-Feb-2007

In Remembrance of
LESLIE DONALD ROWSELL

Service: Royal Navy
Rank: Boy 1st Class
Service Number: P/JX 188599
Date Joined Hood: Unknown
Biographical Information: Leslie was born on 24 March 1924, the sixth of seven children born to parents Hubert and Florence Rowsell, of Bridport, Dorsetshire. Sadly, his father died in 1931, leaving his mother to raise the family of four girls and three boys.

Leslie attended Bridport General School until the age of 14. He was subsequently employed at a net and twine works. He remained there long enough until he was of legal age to join the Navy.

He joined the Navy at age 16 in 1940. He was trained at St George, Douglas, Isle of Man, and passed out as a Boy 1st Class in April 1940. He was posted to his first ship, H.M.S. Hood, in early May. The operation to intercept Bismarck is believed to have been his first and only mission. Leslie was just over 17 years old at the time of his loss. We have no additional information.

If you have any additional details, please contact us.